“The thought of intentionally committing serious sin now and
repenting later is perilously wrong. Never do that. Many start
that journey of intentional transgression and never make it back.
Premeditated sin has greater penalties and is harder to overcome.
If there is sin, repent now—while you can.”
~ Elder Richard G. Scott
What does Satan do to try to keep you from repenting?
How many reasons can you think of for why it’s important to
repent now?
repenting later is perilously wrong. Never do that. Many start
that journey of intentional transgression and never make it back.
Premeditated sin has greater penalties and is harder to overcome.
If there is sin, repent now—while you can.”
~ Elder Richard G. Scott
What does Satan do to try to keep you from repenting?
How many reasons can you think of for why it’s important to
repent now?
One of the biggest ways Satan keeps people from repenting is by appealing to their vanity - that they are correct in their thinking, or anger, or sense of injustice - and that they need to be seen as being correct by others. In this scenario, repentance will come only after much sorrow (being humbled by God rather than as a result of personal desire). And in case anyone's wondering who may read this... yes, I speak from experience. :( 2 Nephi 9: 28-29
ReplyDeleteGreat insight Lisa... So true that Satan looks at our attitudes and how they impact the heart, mind and soul. I think we all struggle with this. It is apart of learning and experiencing life. Sometimes it is hard to let go and trust the Lord. With regards to pre-planning a sin and thinking that future repentance will be easy only shows the spiritual immaturity and a lack of understanding of the dangers that will bind one to their sins (attitudes, actions, thoughts, deeds and so forth). When the chains of sin are hooked and tangled around us it is a hard thing work free without experiencing more pain and work then it would have been to fortify ones testimony and avoid sin in the first place.
ReplyDeleteLisa: Very insightful for you to use the word vanity. Our perceived appearance to others is of more importance than our character. I have never thought of it that way. It is like the wicked Nephites who willfully rebel against God (Amalakiah, etc) and those who have made mistakes in the moment. It takes much more effort to change our hearts and attitudes if they are in enmity towards God because of pride or vanity.
ReplyDelete